Four peregrine falcon chicks at the Crow Creek nest site were banded on June 10, 2025. The nest had two 15-day-old females (369 g, 395 g) and two 16-day-old males (250 g, 304 g). This banding contributes to local peregrine falcon conservation efforts.
**Birds were handled for the purpose of scientific research under a federally authorized Bird Banding Permit issued by the U. S. Geological Survey and in accordance with all state permitting requirements.
Peering over the edge to locate the nest. The climbers need to determine the safest route for them and the chicks.
The adult female circles above, letting us know we're not welcome here.
We can see 4 chicks or eyasses in the eyrie (or nest).
Mom continues to circle and scream, alerting her mate of the danger to the chicks.
Joe, the climber, is getting set up.
Going down!
Joe places chicks in the specially made backpack that has a compartment for each chick. The backpack is lifted to the top and the chicks will be brought to the biologist/bander.
Peregrine Falcon
The chicks are examined and sex, weight and age are recorded.
The chicks at this site were small and possibly a little too young for banding. Here the bander makes sure that the bands will fit.
Placing the chick in a bowl on the scale prevents the chick from walking away while weighing it.
A federal band is applied to the right leg.
An assistant holds the chick while the bander places a two-colored band with large letters and numbers on the left leg.
Rivets hold the band in place.
The adult female is still circling and vocalizing.
After all the chicks have been banded, a "family" or "class" picture is taken.
Smiles all around looking at these healthy chicks before they're returned to the nest.
